Fantastic Monastic Modules in Big Sur

If you follow Michelle Kaufmann’s blog, you’ve probably seen completion photos of this residential care facility for the New Camaldoli Hermitage Monks in Big Sur, California. The 1,737 square-foot facility originally began as mkDesigns project but – due to market realities we’ve mentioned previously – Studio 101 Designs guided it through completion.

The facility, according to Studio 101 Designs, serves as a place for regular doctor checkups and as an infirmary. It’s an important place, because, as I understand it, the monks rely on their community for health care as they age.

Built with four prefabricated modules in Oregon, the facility is clad in durable cor-ten standing-seam steel and cement board, while the interior features FSC-certified teak cabinets, strand-woven bamboo flooring, and Solatubes, among other green elements.

Factory-built construction is becoming more and more common in the residential context. In this case in particular, the facility is located roughly 45 minutes from the nearest town, so prefab was an efficient and attractive method to have the structure built.